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Publications

Journal Article Ppublish

PubMed: 39543945 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2424870

"Can physical activity reduce the risk of having tinnitus?".

Int J Audiol 64(9):945-951

Authors: A Chalimourdas, D Hansen, K Verboven, S Michiels

Affiliations

  • REVAL Rehabilitation Research Centre, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
  • BIOMED-Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
  • Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, affects many adults, impacting quality of life. While factors like hearing loss and psychological distress are linked to tinnitus, the relationship with physical activity remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and the presence of tinnitus.

DESIGN

This study is a cross-sectional study. The participants completed the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between (components of) physical activity and the presence of tinnitus, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.

STUDY SAMPLE

This study involved 3004 participants (2751 tinnitus patients, 253 healthy controls).

RESULTS

Engaging in moderate or vigorous-intensity physical activity during leisure time for more than 2.5 hours per week was associated with a reduced risk of having tinnitus (OR = 0.515, p < 0.001). Conversely, individuals who reported sitting for more than 7 hours per day had a significantly higher risk of having tinnitus (OR = 2.366, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests a potential protective effect of leisure-time physical activity against tinnitus and highlights the importance of reducing sedentary behaviour. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand underlying mechanisms.

MeSH

Exercise, Hearing Disorders, Tinnitus, Odds Ratio